UN monitors preparations for COP30 in the Amazon
22 de January de 2025
By Fabyo Cruz – From Cenarium
BELÉM (PA) – In an unprecedented move for the Amazon region, Belém is hosting a delegation from the United Nations (UN) this week to discuss preparations for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November. The technical mission includes visits to key locations in the city and meetings with representatives from the federal, state, and municipal governments. The goal is to align details regarding infrastructure, logistics, and security to ensure the conference’s success.
The official mission is led by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The deputy executive secretary of the entity, Noura Hamladji, emphasized the delegation’s role in supporting the Brazilian government.
“This technical visit aims to support the federal government of Brazil. We are not here for an evaluation; we are a mission with a clear objective: to make COP in Belém a success. We are very positively impressed with the presentations we have seen and with Brazil’s early preparations,” said Hamladji at the opening of the discussions.
Valter Correia, the extraordinary-secretary for COP30, presented figures and ongoing actions. He highlighted the construction of the event venue, improvements in healthcare and transportation, as well as investments in accommodations and public security. According to Correia, the event will leave a significant legacy for the city and the country.
“We are working tirelessly to deliver a COP that meets all the conditions for successful global climate negotiations and ensures that everyone leaves Brazil with an excellent impression of our country, strengthening tourism as a key legacy of COP30 for Brazil,” Correia stated.
Amazon at the Center of Global Debate
Hana Ghassan, the vice-governor of Pará and president of the State Committee for COP30, emphasized Belém’s central role on the international stage during the conference. She pointed out that the event represents a unique opportunity to highlight the Amazon’s protagonism in climate discussions.
“We are working daily, at an accelerated pace, on planning and construction during a very important year—not just for our state, which has the honor of hosting this major event, but for Brazil and the world. During COP, global leaders will discuss climate change to update the Paris Agreement and enable humanity to move toward a more sustainable future,” said Ghassan.
Belém’s mayor, Igor Normando, acknowledged the challenges faced by the city but expressed confidence in the capital of Pará’s ability to host the conference. He emphasized that COP30 is an opportunity to break stereotypes about the Northern region of Brazil.
“We are confident that we will overcome any challenge that may arise with creativity, and the people of Belém—our greatest asset—will warmly welcome everyone. We are certain that COP30 will be extraordinary. We are ready,” Normando declared.